Source reagent compositions and method for forming metal films on a substrate by chemical vapor deposition

ABSTRACT

A β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound and a source reagent composition are provided. The β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound may include a metal M selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pr, V, Nb, Ta, Nd, Cr, W, Pm, Mn, Re, Sm, Fe, Ru, Eu, Co, Rh, Ir, Gd, Ni, Tb, Cu, Dy, Ho, Al, Tl, Er, Sn, Pb, Tm, Bi, Lu, Th, Pd, Pt, Ga, In, Au, Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mo, and Yb. The metal may be complexed to at least one alkoxide ligand and one β-diketonate ligand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/649,549 filed Aug. 28, 2000 (now allowed) in the names of Robin A. Gardiner, et al., which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/484,654 filed Jun. 7, 1995 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,529) in the names of Robin A. Gardiner, et al., which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/414,504 filed Mar. 31, 1995 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,664), in the names of Robin A. Gardiner, et al., which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/280,143 filed Jul. 25, 1994 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,323) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al., which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/927,134 filed Aug. 7, 1992 (now abandoned) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al., which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/807,807 filed Dec. 31, 1991 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,314) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al., which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/549,389 filed Jul. 6, 1990 (now abandoned) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/484,654 filed Jun. 7, 1995 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,529) in the names of Robin A. Gardiner, et al., is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/181,800 filed Jan. 15, 1994 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,494) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al., which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/918,141 filed Jul. 22, 1992 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,012) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al., which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/615,303 filed Nov. 19, 1990 (now abandoned) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al., which in turn is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/581,631 filed Sep. 12, 1990 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,561) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al., which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/549,389 filed Jul. 6, 1990 (now abandoned) in the names of Peter S. Kirlin, et al.

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS IN THE INVENTION

This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DNA001-92-C-0136 awarded by the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO). The Government has certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to precursor source reagent metal-organic compositions, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process utilizing such precursor source reagent metal-organic compositions for formation of metal films on substrates, and to CVD processes utilizing liquid delivery and volatilization of such precursor source reagent metal-organic compositions for supplying a source reagent vapor to a CVD reactor.

2. Description of the Related Art

Chemical vapor deposition is widely used for the formation of metal films on a variety of substrates. CVD is a particularly attractive method for forming metal films because it is readily scaled up to production runs and because the electronics industry has a wide experience and an established equipment base in the use of CVD technology which can be applied to CVD processes.

CVD requires source reagents that are sufficiently volatile to permit their gas phase transport into the decomposition reactor. The source reagent must decompose in the CVD reactor to deposit only the desired element(s) at the desired growth temperature on the substrate. Premature gas phase reactions are desirably avoided, and it generally is desired to controllably deliver source reagents into the CVD reactor to effect correspondingly close control of stoichiometry.

Many potentially useful metals do not form compounds which are well suited for CVD. Although some source reagents are solids which are amenable to sublimation for gas-phase transport into the CVD reactor, the sublimation temperature may be very close to decomposition temperature. Accordingly, the reagent may begin to decompose in the lines leading to the CVD reactor, and it then becomes difficult to control the stoichiometry of the deposited films.

Accordingly, there is a continuing search in the art for improved source reagent compositions which are amenable to vaporization to form the source component vapor for CVD processes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,314 discloses a process for supplying an involatile source reagent in vapor form for CVD, in which reagent source liquid is flash vaporized on a high surface-to-volume ratio structure, following which the vaporized reagent is flowed to the CVD reactor, for deposition of the desired metal or other component on the target substrate in the reactor.

In the chemical vapor deposition of multicomponent material systems, multiple source reagents are delivered to the CVD reactor. A particularly advantageous way of delivering multiple source reagents is to accurately mix neat liquid source reagents or liquid solutions of source reagents and then flash vaporize the mixture and deliver the resulting vapor to the reactor. It is possible in this situation for the reagents to undergo reactions, either in the liquid phase before vaporization or in the gas phase after vaporization. If these reactions convert a source reagent to an insoluble or non-volatile product, or to a material of different chemical or physical properties, then the elements contained in that product will not reach the substrate and the stoichiometry of the deposited film will be incorrect.

Examples of this problem (wherein Et is ethyl; tBu is tert-butyl; iPr is isopropyl; and thd is tetramethylheptanedionate) include the following:

-   -   (i) during deposition of PbZr_(x)Ti_(1-x)O₃, using (Et)₄Pb,         Zr(OtBu)₄, and Ti(OiPr)₄ source reagents, ligand exchange         between the Zr and Ti reagents resulted in formation of         Zr(OiPr)₄ (and perhaps other products of which Zr(OiPr)₄ is a         monomer), which had very low volatility and which condensed in         the gas manifold or vaporizer;     -   (ii) when solutions of Ba(thd)₂ and Ti(OiPr)₄ were mixed prior         to vaporization, an insoluble precipitate was formed, presumably         Ba(OiPr)₂; and     -   (iii) when solutions of Pb(thd)₂ and Ti(OiPr)₄ were mixed in         butyl acetate, the reagents reacted to form compounds of         differing physical properties, such as Pb(OiPr)₂ and         Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂.

Another specific example illustrating this problem is the preparation of films of strontium bismuth tantalate and strontium bismuth niobate (SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ and SrBi₂Nb₂O₉) by CVD for use in non-volatile ferroelectric random access memories. The most commonly used strontium source reagents are β-diketonate complexes such as Sr(thd)₂. When a solution is heated containing the following source reagents for deposition of SrBi₂Ta₂O₉:

-   -   Sr(thd)₂; Ta(OEt)₅; and Bi(Ph)₃ wherein Ph=phenyl,         the ethoxide ligands of the tantalum reagent exchange with the         thd ligands of the strontium reagent, leading to the formation         of undesirable strontium alkoxide species that have reduced         volatility and that can decompose in the vaporization zone.         Alternatively, when these reagents are provided separately in         bubblers, similar ligand exchange reactions occur in the gas         phase; the resulting solids constrict the gas lines or alter the         film stoichiometry.

In certain instances, such problems can be avoided by using identical ligands on the metals to make ligand exchange a degenerate reaction (i.e., where the exchanging ligand is identical to the original ligand). Examples of this approach include the use of tetraethylorthosilicate, triethylborate and triethylphosphite for deposition of borophosphosilicate glasses (J. Electrochem. Soc., 1987, 134(2), 430). In many instances, however, this method for avoiding the problem is not possible because the appropriate compound does not exist, is too unstable or involatile to be used for CVD, or otherwise has disadvantageous physicochemical material properties. For example, for deposition of PbZr_(x)Ti_(1-x)O₃, a reagent system with identical ligands is problematic because while Pb(thd)₂ and Zr(thd)₄ are stable and volatile, Ti(thd)₄ does not exist and Ti(thd)₃ is extremely air sensitive. Similarly, while Ti(OtBu)₄ and Zr(OtBu)₄ are stable and volatile, Pb(OtBu)₂ is thermally unstable at temperatures required for volatilization.

The foregoing problems are also encountered in the circumstance where the metal source reagent is provided in a liquid solution and the solvent contains moieties which react with ligands of the source reagent compound to produce undesirable ligand exchange reaction by-products which display different physical properties and are involatile or insoluble.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a CVD process utilizing improved metal source reagent compositions for the deposition of corresponding metals and metal oxides.

It is another object of the invention to provide a CVD process utilizing improved metal source reagent compositions in liquid or solution form, to simultaneously deliver the constituent metal(s) to a deposition locus such as a chemical vapor deposition chamber.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a CVD process utilizing liquid compositions of such type which are resistant to deleterious ligand exchange reactions.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a liquid delivery and chemical vapor deposition process in which precursor source reagent compositions are volatilized and the resulting vapor is transported to the CVD reactor for deposition of the desired component(s) on a substrate disposed in the reactor.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a method of forming on a substrate a metal film, comprising depositing the metal film on the substrate via chemical vapor deposition from a metalorganic complex of the formula: MA_(Y)X wherein:

-   M is a y-valent metal; -   A is a monodentate or multidentate organic ligand coordinated to M     which allows complexing of MA_(y) with X; -   y is an integer having a value of 2, 3 or 4; -   each of the A ligands may be the same or different; and -   X is a monodentate or multidentate ligand coordinated to M and     containing one or more atoms independently selected from the group     consisting of atoms of the elements C, N, H, S, O and F.

In such method, M may for example be selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ba, Sr, La, Nd, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Th, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Bi, Tl, Y, Pb, Ni, Pd, Pt, Al, Ga, In, Ag, Au, Co, Rh, Ir, Fe, Ru, Sn, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Mg, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W. The ligand A may be selected from the group consisting of β-diketonates, cyclopentadienyls, alkyls, perfluoroalkyls, alkoxides, perfluoroalkoxides, and Schiff bases. Specific examples of A include:

-   (i) 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate; -   (ii) 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; -   (iii) 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-7,7-dimethyl-4,6-octanedionate; -   (iv) cyclopentadienyl; -   (v) 4,4′-(ethane-1,2-diyldiimino) bis(3-pentene-2-one); -   (vi) pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and other substituted     cyclopentadienyls; -   (vii) 2,4-pentanedionate; and -   (viii) 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedionate.

The ligand X in such complexes may, for example, be selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (i) oxyhydrocarbyl ligands;     -   (ii) nitrogenous oxyhydrocarbyl ligands;     -   (iii) fluorooxyhydrocarbyl ligands; and     -   (iv) thiooxyhydrocarbyl ligands.

Specific classes of X ligand species include:

-   -   (a) amines and polyamines;     -   (b) bipyridines;     -   (c) ligands of the formula:

-   -   -   wherein G is —O—, —S—, or —NR—, wherein R is H or             hydrocarbyl;

    -   (d) crown ethers;

    -   (e) thioethers; and

    -   (f) ligands of the formula:         R⁰(C(R¹)₂C(R²)₂O)_(n)R⁰         -   wherein:             -   R⁰=H, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, cyanato, perfluoroethyl,                 perfluoro-n-propyl, or vinyl;             -   R¹═H, F, or a sterically acceptable hydrocarbyl                 substituent;             -   R²═H, F, or a sterically acceptable hydrocarbyl                 substituent;             -   n=2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; and             -   each R⁰, R¹, and R² may be the same as or different from                 the other R⁰, R¹, and R², respectively.

Examples of such ligand X include tetraglyme, tetrahydrofuran, bipydridine, and 18-crown-6 ethers.

-   -   In a more specific aspect, the ligand X may have the formula:         R⁰(C(R¹)₂(R²)₂O)_(n)R⁰     -   wherein:         -   R⁰=H, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, cyanato, perfluoroethyl,             perfluoro-n-propyl, or vinyl;         -   R¹=H, F, or a sterically acceptable hydrocarbyl substituent;         -   R²=H, F, or a sterically acceptable hydrocarbyl substituent;         -   n=2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; and         -   each R⁰, R¹, and R² may be the same as or different from the             other R⁰, R¹, and R², respectively.     -   In another specific aspect, the ligand X may have the formula:         R⁰O(C(R¹)₂C(R²)₂O)₄R⁰     -   wherein:     -   each R⁰, R¹, and R² is selected independently, and     -   R⁰=H, CH₃, or C₂H₅;     -   R¹ and R²=H or F.

In the metalorganic complexes described above, each of the ligands A may be a constituent moiety of a single group which is coordinatingly attached to M thereby. Alternatively, the ligand X and at least one of the ligands A may be a constituent moiety of a single group which is coordinatingly attached to M thereby.

The method of the invention may therefore include the steps of:

providing the metalorganic complex in a solvent or suspending agent therefor, as a metal source reagent solution comprising the metalorganic complex and the solvent or suspending agent,

-   -   volatilizing the metal source reagent liquid solution to yield a         metal source vapor, and     -   contacting the metal source vapor with the substrate, to deposit         the metal-containing film thereon.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of forming on a substrate a metal film, comprising depositing the metal film on the substrate via chemical vapor deposition from a metalorganic composition comprising:

-   -   (i) a metalorganic complex of the formula:         MA_(Y)X     -   wherein:     -   M is a y-valent metal;     -   A is a monodentate or multidentate organic ligand coordinated to         M which allows complexing of MA_(y) with X;     -   y is an integer having a value of 2, 3 or 4;     -   each of the A ligands may be the same or different; and     -   X is a monodentate or multidentate ligand coordinated to M and         containing one or more atoms independently selected from the         group consisting of atoms of the elements C, N, H, S, O and F,     -   or precursor(s) or components thereof; and     -   (ii) a solvent or suspending agent therefor.

In such method, the metalorganic composition is suitably volatized to yield a metal source vapor, and the resulting metal source vapor is contacted with the substrate, to deposit the metal-containing film thereon. The composition may comprise the components of the metalorganic complex in a solvent, wherein the components react in situ in the solvent to form the metalorganic complex. In like manner, the composition may comprise precursors of the metalorganic complex in the solvent, wherein the precursors react in situ in the solvent to form the metalorganic complex.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of forming a metal film on a substrate, comprising depositing the metal film on the substrate via chemical vapor deposition from a metalorganic complex of the formula: M₁M₂A_(y)X wherein: M₁ is a metal of valence n; M₂ is a metal of valence y−n; M₁ and M₂ are different from one another; A is a monodentate or multidentate organic ligand coordinated to at least one of M₁ and

-   M₂ which allows complexing of M₁M₂A_(y) with X; -   n is an integer having a value of 1, 2 or 3; -   y is an integer having a value of 2, 3 or 4, and y>n; -   each of the A ligands may be the same or different; and -   X is a monodentate or multidentate ligand coordinated to at least     one of M₁ and M₂ and containing one or more atoms independently     selected from the group consisting of atoms of the elements C, N, H,     S, O and F.

Each of M₁ and M₂ in the metalorganic complex may be independently selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ba, Sr, La, Nd, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Th, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Bi, Tl, Y, Pb, Ni, Pd, Pt, Al, Ga, In, Ag, Au, Co, Rh, Ir, Fe, Ru, Sn, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Mg, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W.

In a preferred aspect, M₁ and M₂ are selected from the group of M₁/M₂ pairs consisting of:

M₁ M₂ (i) Cu Sn; (ii) Cu In; (iii) Al Cu; (iv) Fe Mn; (v) Fe Ni; and (vi) Fe Co.

Still another method aspect of the invention relates to a method of forming a metal-containing film on a substrate, including providing a metal source reagent solution comprising a metal source reagent and solvent medium, volatilizing the metal source reagent liquid solution to yield a metal source vapor, and contacting the metal source vapor with the substrate, to deposit the metal-containing film thereon, wherein the metal source reagent solution comprises:

-   -   (i) at least one metal coordination complex including a metal to         which is coordinatively bound at least one ligand in a stable         complex, wherein the ligand is selected from the group         consisting of: β-diketonates, β-thioketonates, β-ketoiminates,         β-diiminates, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl,         C₆-C₁₀ aryl, C₁-C₈ alkoxy, and fluorinated derivatives thereof;         and     -   (ii) a solvent for the metal coordination complex.

The metal in the metal coordination complex(es) employed in the above-discussed method may comprise a metal selected from the group consisting of: Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pr, V, Nb, Ta, Nd, Cr, W, Pm, Mn, Re, Sm, Fe, Ru, Eu, Th, Lu, Pd, Pt, Ga, In, Au, Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mo, Co, Rh, Ir, Gd, Ni, Tb, Cu, Dy, Ho, Al, Tl, Er, Sn, Pb, Tm, Bi, and Yb.

In such method the metal source reagent liquid solution may in some instances comprise a multi-component solution including at least two of the aforementioned metal source complexes. The metal source reagent liquid solution may include solvent species selected such as: glymes, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, nitriles, and/or alcohols. The solvent may, for example, comprise at least one solvent species selected from the group of solvents consisting of: glyme solvents having from 1 to 20 ethoxy —(C₂H₄₀)— repeat units; C₂-C₁₂ alkanols, organic ethers selected from the group consisting of dialkyl ethers comprising C₁-C₆ alkyl moieties, C₄-C₈ cyclic ethers, and C₁₂-C₆₀-crown-O₄-O₂₀ ethers wherein the prefixed C_(i) range is the number i of carbon atoms in the ether compound and the suffixed O_(i) range is the number i of oxygen atoms in the ether compound; C₆-C₁₂ aliphatic hydrocarbons; and C₆-C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbons.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of forming a metal-containing film on a substrate, comprising providing a metal source reagent solution including a metal source reagent and solvent medium, volatilizing the metal source reagent liquid solution to yield a metal source vapor, and contacting the metal source vapor with the substrate, to deposit the metal-containing film thereon, wherein the metal source reagent(s) and the solvent medium are selected from the group, set out in Table I below, of metal source reagent(s) and associated solvent media consisting of:

TABLE I Metal Source Reagent(s) Solvent Medium Al(thd)₃ 80-98% tetrahydrofuran and 2-20% tetraglyme Al(OR)₃ 80-98% tetrahydrofuran and 2-20% tetraglyme Ba(thd)₂(tetraglyme) 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Ca(thd)₂(tetraglyme) Cu(thd)₂ Ba(thd)₂(tetraglyme) 85-98% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂(tetraglyme) Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ Ca(thd)₂(tetraglyme) 75-95% isopropanol with 5-25% tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂(tetraglyme) Cr(thd)₃ 80-98% tetrahydrofuran with 2-20% tetraglyme Er(thd)₃ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Ir(acac)₃ butyl acetate or Ir(thd)₃ La(thd)₃ tetrahydrofuran (MeO)₃P═O MgAl(OiPr)₈ isopropanol Nb(OiPr)₄thd 45-88% tetrahydrofuran 10-35% isopropanol 2-20% tetraglyme Pb(thd)₂ 80-98% tetrahydrofuran and 2-20% tetraglyme La(thd)₃ Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ Pb(thd)₂ 80-98% tetrahydrofuran with 2-20% tetraglyme Ti(OiPr)₂thd₂ Pb(thd)₂ 45-88% tetrahydrofuran Zr(thd)₄ 10-35% isopropanol 2-20% tetraglyme Pb(thd)₂ 45-88% tetrahydrofuran Zr(thd)₄ 10-35% isopropanol Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ 2-20% tetraglyme Pb(thd)₂ 45-88% tetrahydrofuran Zr(thd)₄ 10-35% t-butanol Ti(OtBu)₂(thd)₂ 2-20% tetraglyme Ru(acac)₃ butyl acetate or Ru(thd)₃ Sn(alkyl)₂(β-diketonate)₂ butyl acetate wherein alkyl = C₁-C₁₈ alkyl Sn(acetate)₂ butyl acetate or 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂(tetraglyme) 45-88% tetrahydrofuran BiPh₃ 10-35% isopropanol Ta(OiPr)₄(thd) 2-20% tetraglyme Ta(OEt)₅ 1% ethanol solution [O═Ti(thd)₂]_(n) butyl acetate wherein n is 1 or 2 Zr(thd)₄ 80-98% tetrahydrofuran and 2-20% tetraglyme Y(thd)₃ [O═Zr(thd)₂]_(n) butyl acetate wherein n is 1 or 2 or butyl acetate/tetraglyme Y(thd)₃ isopropanol Y(thd)₃ butyl acetate/tetraglyme Ba(thd)₂ Cu(thd)₂ Cu(shfac)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(shfac)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetrathiocyclodecane Ca(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Ca(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Ca(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% Sr(sthd)₂ tetrathiocyclodecane Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Cu(shfac)₂ 45-88% tetrahydrofuranacetate 10-35% isopropanol 2-20% tetraglyme Cu(hfac)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetrathiocyclodecane Cu(hfac)₂ 45-88% tetrahydrofuranacetate 10-35% isopropanol 2-20% tetraglyme Ti(hfac)₃ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Ti(hfac)₃ butyl acetate Mo(hfac)₃ butyl acetate Mo(thd)₃ butyl acetate wherein when the solvent medium contains multiple solvent components, the percentages specified are percentages by weight, based on the weight of the total solvent medium, and with the total percentage of all solvent components being 100%.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of forming a metal sulfide film on a substrate, comprising providing a metal source reagent solution including a metal source reagent and solvent medium, volatilizing the metal source reagent liquid solution to yield a metal source vapor, and contacting the metal source vapor with the substrate, optionally in the presence of a sulfur-containing gas, to deposit the metal-containing film thereon, wherein the metal source reagent(s) and the solvent medium, are selected from the group, set out in Table II below, of metal source reagent(s) and associated solvent media consisting of:

TABLE II Cu(shfac)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(shfac)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetrathiocyclodecane Ca(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Ca(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Ca(sthd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% Sr(sthd)₂ tetrathiocyclodecane Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Cu(shfac)₂ 45-88% tetrahydrofuran 10-35% isopropanol 2-20% tetraglyme Cu(hfac)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetrathiocyclodecane Cu(hfac)₂ 45-88% tetrahydrofuran 10-35% isopropanol 2-20% tetraglyme Ti(hfac)₃ 85-99% butyl acetate and 1-15% tetraglyme Ti(hfac)₃ butyl acetate Mo(hfac)₃ butyl acetate Mo(thd)₃ butyl acetate.

The contacting of the metal source vapor with the substrate may thus be carried out in the presence of a sulfur-containing gas, e.g., a sulfur-containing gas selected from the group of sulfur compounds consisting of hydrogen sulfide, t-butyl thiol, and cyclohexyl thiol.

In one particular aspect, the invention relates to a method of forming a metal sulfide film on a substrate, comprising providing a metal source reagent solution including a metal β-thioketonate source reagent and compatible solvent medium for the metal β-thioketonate source reagent, volatilizing the metal source reagent liquid solution to yield a metal source vapor, and contacting the metal source vapor with the substrate, to deposit the metal sulfide film thereon. Such contacting of the metal source vapor with the substrate may advantageously be carried out in the presence of hydrogen sulfide or other sulfur source gas or component. The metal moiety of such metal β-thioketonate source reagent may be a metal such as Cu, Sr, Ca, Ga, Ce, Ti, and Mo.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of forming a metal-containing film on a substrate, comprising providing a metal source reagent solution including a metal source reagent and solvent medium, volatilizing the metal source reagent liquid solution to yield a metal source vapor, and contacting the metal source vapor with the substrate, to deposit the metal-containing film thereon, wherein the composition of the metal-containing film, metal source reagent, and solvent medium, are selected from the group, set out in Table III below, consisting of:

TABLE III Metal Containing Film Metal Source Reagent Solvent Medium Al₂O₃ Al(thd)₃ tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme Al₂O₃ Al(OR)₃ tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme BaCaCuO Ba(thd)₂(tetraglyme), butyl acetate/tetraglyme Ca(thd)₂, Cu(thd)₂ Ba_(x)Sr_(1−x)TiO₃ Ba(thd)₂(tetraglyme) butyl acetate/tetraglyme x = 0 to 1 Sr(thd)₂(tetraglyme) Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ BiSrCaCuO Sr(thd)₂(tetraglyme) isopropanol/tetraglyme; Ca(thd)₂(tetraglyme) Bi(C₆H₅)₃ Cu(thd) Cr₂O₃ Cr(thd)₃ tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme; Er doping Er(thd)₃ butyl acetate/tetraglyme of SiO₂ Ir Ir(acac)_(3 or) butyl acetate Ir(thd)₃ LaPO₄ La(thd)₃ tetrahydrofuran O═P(OMe)₃ MgAl₂O₄ MgAl₂(OiPr)₈ isopropanol Nb₂O₅ Nb(OiPr)₄(thd) tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ tetraglyme PbLa_(x)Ti_(1−x)O₃ Pb(thd)₂ tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme La(thd)₃ Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ PbTiO₃ Pb(thd)₂ tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ PbZrO₃ Pb(thd)₂ tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ Zr(thd)₄ tetraglyme PbZr_(x)Ti_(1−x)O₃ Pb(thd)₂ tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ x = 0 to 1 Zr(thd)₄ tetraglyme Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ PbZr_(x)Ti_(1−x)O₃ Pb(thd)₂ tetrahydrofuran/tbutanol/ x = 0 to 1 Zr(thd)₄ tetraglyme Ti(OtBu)₂(thd)₂ PbZr_(x)Ti_(1−x)O₃ Pb(thd)₂ tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ x = 0 to 1 [O═Zr(thd)₂]_(n) tetraglyme, or [O═Ti(thd)₂]_(n) butyl acetate/tetraglyme n = 1 or 2 RuO₂ Ru(acac)₃ or butyl acetate Ru(thd)₃ SnO₂ Sn(alkyl)₂ (β-diketonate)₂ butyl acetate alkyl = C₁-C₁₈ SnO₂ Sn(acetate)₂ butyl acetate SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ Sr(thd)₂ tetraglyme tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ BiPh₃ tetraglyme Ta(OiPr)₄thd Ta₂O₅ Ta(OEt)₅ ethanol Ta₂O₅ Ta(OR)₄(thd) tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ R = ethyl, isopropyl tetraglyme TiO₂ [O═Ti(thd)₂]_(n) butyl acetate/tetraglyme n = 1 or 2 V₂O₅ O═V(thd)₃ butyl acetate/tetraglyme. Y₂O₃—ZrO₂ Zr(thd)₄ tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme; Y(thd)₃ Y₂O₃ Y(thd)₃ isopropanol YBaCuO Y(thd)₃ butyl acetate/tetraglyme Ba(thd)₂(tetraglyme) or tetraglyme Cu(thd)₂ ZrO₂ [O═Zr(thd)₂]_(n) butyl acetate/tetraglyme n = 1 or 2 CuS Cu(shfac)₂ butyl acetate/tetraglyme SrS Sr(shfac)₂ butyl acetate/tetraglyme SrS Sr(sthd)₂ butyl acetate/tetraglyme SrS Sr(sthd)₂ butyl acetate/tetrathiocyclodecane (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄, Ca(sthd)₂ butyl acetate/tetraglyme cerium-doped Sr(sthd)₂ Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄, Ca(sthd)₂ butyl acetate/tetrathiocyclodecane cerium-doped Sr(sthd)₂ Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ CuS Cu(shfac)₂ tetrahydrofuranacetate isopropanol tetraglyme CuS Cu(hfac)₂ butyl acetate/tetraglyme SrS Sr(thd)₂ butyl acetate/tetraglyme SrS Sr(thd)₂ butyl acetate/tetrathiocyclodecane CuS Cu(hfac)₂ tetrahydrofuranacetate isopropanol tetraglyme TiS₂ Ti(hfac)₃ butyl acetate/tetraglyme TiS₂ Ti(hfac)₃ butyl acetate MoS₂ Mo(hfac)₃ butyl acetate MoS₂ Mo(thd)₃ butyl acetate.

In the method discussed above with reference to Table III, the contacting of the metal source vapor with the substrate may be carried out in the presence of a sulfur-containing gas, e.g., hydrogen sulfide, t-butylthiol, and cyclohexylthiol. Alternatively, the solvent medium contains a sulfur compound therein, such as hydrogen sulfide, t-butylthiol and cyclohexyl thiol.

In the above-discussed method, the metal sulfide film may advantageously be reacted with a metal-coreactant to form a binary metal sulfide film on the substrate.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the metal-organic source reagent-containing liquid compositions employed to carry out the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process are stabilized in character, meaning that the metal-organic source reagent therein is resistant to degradation via ligand exchange reactions, e.g., non-degenerative ligand exchanges which adversely affect the chemical identity and suitability of the reagent compositions for CVD applications.

Such metal source reagent liquid solutions advantageously comprise:

-   -   (i) at least one metal coordination complex, each of such metal         coordination complexes including a metal coordinatively binding         at least one ligand in a stable complex, wherein such at least         one ligand is selected from the group consisting of         β-diketonates and β-ketoesters, and their sulfur and nitrogen         analogs (i.e., corresponding ligands containing S or N atoms in         place of the O atom(s) in the β-diketonates and β-ketoesters);         and     -   (ii) a solvent for such metal coordination complex(es).

A generalized formula for each of such metal coordination complexes is M^(i)A_(a)(OR)_(x)B_(y)Q_(z) wherein:

-   -   M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr,         Ba, Sc, Y, La, Lu, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pr, V, Nb, Ta, Nd, Cr, W, Pm,         Mn, Re, Sm, Fe, Ru, Eu, Co, Rh, Ir, Gd, Ni, Tb, Th, Cu, Dy, Ho,         Al, Tl, Er, Sn, Pb, Pd, Pt, Ga, In, Au, Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs,         Mo, Tm, Bi, and Yb;     -   A is selected from the group consisting of β-diketonates and         β-ketoesters, and their sulfur and nitrogen analogs;     -   R is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈         cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl,         and (fully or partially) fluorinated derivatives thereof (i.e.,         wherein hydrogen substituent(s) of the C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈         cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, or C₆-C₁₀ aryl         ligand, is/are replaced by fluorine substituent(s));     -   B is selected from the group consisting of polyethers,         polyamines, polythiols, bipyridines, glymes, alcohols, crown         ethers, crown thioethers, cyclic polyamines (cyclenes),         thioglymes, arylthiols, and aliphatic thiols (mercaptans).     -   Q is hydrocarbyl or halohydrocarbyl, e.g., a ligand selected         from the group consisting of C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈ cycloalkyl,         C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, and         fluorinated derivatives thereof;     -   a, x, y, and z are stoichiometric coefficients for the ligands         A, OR, B, and Q, respectively, wherein a is ≧1; each of x, y,         and z is independently ≧0; and A_(a)(OR)_(x)B_(y)Q_(z) is in         stoichiometric relationship to metal M.

Thus, each of the metal complexes in such solutions comprises at least one ligand A coordinated to the central atom M of the complex, and M may optionally have additionally coordinated thereto one or more of the ligands OR, B, and Q, in which the resulting complex is appropriately stoichiometrically constituted to define a stable complex.

One class of source reagent complexes usefully employed in reagent solutions in the process of the invention comprise those of the formula: M(R²—C(O)—CH—C(G)-R³)_(a)(OR)_(x) wherein:

-   -   a, x, M and R are as defined hereinabove;     -   R² and R³ are independently selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈         cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl,         and fluorinated derivatives thereof; and     -   G is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen moiety of the formula ═NR_(b)         in which R_(b) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₈         alkyl, C₂-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl,         C₆-C₁₀ aryl, and fluorinated derivatives thereof.

The solvent utilized in the source reagent solutions in the process of the invention may comprise any suitable solvent species, or combination of solvent species, with which the metal complexes are compatible, such as aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, nitriles, and alcohols. The solvent component of the solution preferably comprises a solvent selected from the group consisting of: glyme solvents having from 1 to 20 ethoxy —(C₂H₄O)— repeat units; C₂-C₁₂ alkanols, organic ethers selected from the group consisting of dialkyl ethers comprising C₁-C₆ alkyl moieties, C₄-C₈ cyclic ethers; C₁₂-C₆₀-crown-O₄-O₂₀ ethers wherein the prefixed C_(i) range is the number i of carbon atoms in the ether compound and the suffixed O_(i) range is the number i of oxygen atoms in the ether compound; C₆-C₁₂ aliphatic hydrocarbons; C₆-C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbons; organic esters; organic amines; and polyamines.

As used herein, the term “stable complex” means that the metal source complex in a pure state (unexposed to other materials, such as water, oxygen, etc.) is not susceptible to spontaneous degradation or decomposition at 25 degrees Centigrade and 1 atmosphere pressure. The term “complex” is intended to be broadly construed to encompass compounds as well as coordination complexes wherein at least one metal atom is coordinated (covalently, ionically and/or associatively) to at least one organic ligand group.

In yet another aspect, the process of the present invention may utilize a source reagent liquid solution comprising:

-   -   (i) at least one, and preferably at least two, metal         coordination complexes, each of the formula:         M^(i)A_(a)(OR)_(x)B_(y)Q_(z)         wherein:     -   M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr,         Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pr, V, Nb, Ta, Nd, Cr, W, Pm, Mn,         Re, Sm, Fe, Ru, Eu, Co, Rh, Ir, Gd, Ni, Tb, Cu, Dy, Ho, Al, Tl,         Er, Sn, Pb, Tm, Bi, Lu, Th, Pd, Pt, Ga, In, Au, Ag, Li, Na, K,         Rb, Cs, Mo, and Yb;     -   A is selected from the group consisting of β-diketonates and         β-ketoesters, and their sulfur and nitrogen analogs;     -   R is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈         cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl,         and (fully or partially) fluorinated derivatives thereof (i.e.,         wherein hydrogen substituent(s) of the C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈         cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, or C₆-C₁₀ aryl         ligand, is/are replaced by fluorine substituent(s));     -   B is selected from the group consisting of polyethers,         polyamines, polythiols, bipyridines, glymes, alcohols, crown         ethers, crown thioethers, cyclic polyamines (cyclenes),         thioglymes, arylthiols, and aliphatic thiols (mercaptans).     -   Q is hydrocarbyl or halohydrocarbyl, e.g., a ligand selected         from the group consisting of C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈ cycloalkyl,         C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, and         fluorinated derivatives thereof;     -   a, x, y, and z are stoichiometric coefficients for the ligands         A, OR, B, and Q, respectively, wherein a is ≧1; each of x, y,         and z is independently ≧0, and A_(a)(OR)_(x)B_(y)Q_(z) is in         stoichiometric relationship to metal M; and     -   (ii) a solvent for the metal coordination complex(es).

The process of the present invention in another aspect may utilize solutions containing compounds comprised of β-diketonate and/or alkoxide ligands having a metal M, e.g., selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pr, V, Nb, Ta, Nd, Cr, W, Pm, Mn, Re, Sm, Fe, Ru, Eu, Co, Rh, Ir, Gd, Ni, Tb, Cu, Dy, Ho, Al, Tl, Er, Sn, Pb, Tm, Bi, Lu, Th, Pd, Pt, Ga, In, Au, Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mo, and Yb, complexed to at least one alkoxide ligand and at least one β-diketonate ligand.

Such compounds may have the general formula: M(OR¹)_(x)(R²—C(G)-CH—C(G)-R³)_(y) wherein:

-   -   G is oxygen, sulfur, or imide of the formula: ═NR_(b), wherein         Rb is H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, or C₁-C₈ perfluoroalkyl (e.g.,         trifluoroethyl);     -   x+y=p where p is the valence of metal M;     -   x+2y=q where q is the coordination number of the metal M;     -   R¹ is C₁-C₆ hydrocarbyl or fluoroalkyl;     -   R² and R³ are independently selected from C₁-C₁₄ hydrocarbyl,         C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ fluoroalkyl groups, wherein hydrocarbyl         groups may be selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₆-C₁₀ cycloalkyl,         C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl and C₆-C₁₄ aryl groups, and C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl         groups may be selected from perfluoroalkyls of 2 through 6         carbons.

Preferred compounds of such type comprise M(OtBu)₂(thd)₂ wherein M=titanium or zirconium, OtBu=t-butoxy and thd is defined below.

As used herein, the following terms for ligand groups have the following meanings: acac=acetylacetonate, more specifically 2,4-pentane dionate; hfacac (or hfac)=hexafluoroacetylacetonate, more specifically 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; tfacac (or tfac)=trifluoroacetylacetonate, more specifically 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; thd=tetramethylheptanedionate, as hereinabove identified, and more specifically 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate; fod=fluorodimethyloctanedionate, more specifically 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-7,7-dimethyl-4,6-octanedionate; hfod=heptafluoro-dimethyloctanedionate; and tg=tetraglyme. The corresponding β-thioketonate ligands are identified consistently therewith, by prefixation of “s” to the corresponding β-diketonate ligand, e.g., shfac, sthd, etc.

The invention relates in one aspect to a metalorganic complex composition comprising a metalorganic complex selected from the group consisting of:

metalorganic complexes comprising one or more metal central atoms coordinated to one or more monodentate or multidentate organic ligands, and complexed with one or more complexing monodentate or multidentate ligands containing one or more atoms independently selected from the group consisting of atoms of the elements C, N, H, S, O and F; wherein when the number of metal atoms is one and concurrently the number of complexing monodentate or multidentate ligands is one, then the complexing monodentate or multidentate ligand of the metalorganic complex is selected from the group consisting of beta-ketoiminates, beta-diiminates, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl and C₆-C₁₀ aryl.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to methods of forming on a substrate a metal film, comprising depositing said metal film on said substrate via chemical vapor deposition from a metalorganic complexes and compositions of the invention.

When identified herein by reference to generalized formulas, the copper oxide compound formulas YBaCuO, BaCaCuO, and BiSrCaCuO are intended to be construed to encompass the corresponding stoichiometrically appropriate specific stoichiometries (i.e., specific stoichiometric coefficients w, x, y, and z) of the metal moieties, in relation to the other metal components and the oxygen constituent of such compounds, that yield stable forms of the metal oxide compounds at 25° C. and 1 atmosphere pressure. More generally, various reagents and deposited products may be referred to sometimes hereinafter by alphabetic acronyms based on their constituent elements or moieties, e.g., PZT for lead zirconium titanate, BST for barium strontium titanate, etc., and in such case, such acronymic designations are intended to be broadly construed to encompass all suitable stoichiometric forms of the composition under consideration.

It is to be appreciated that the compositions disclosed herein, in respect of constituent components and/or moieties of such compositions, may comprise, consist, and/or consist essentially of, such constituent components and/or moieties.

Other aspects and features of the invention will be more fully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

The disclosures of the following prior applications and appertaining patents hereby are incorporated herein in their entirety: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/649,549 filed Aug. 28, 2000; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/484,654 filed Jun. 7, 1995 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,529); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/414,504 filed Mar. 31, 1995 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,664); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/280,143 filed Jul. 25, 1994 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,323); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/927,134, filed Aug. 7, 1992; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/807,807, filed Dec. 31, 1991 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,314); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/549,389, filed Jul. 6, 1990; U.S. application Ser. No. 08/181,800 filed Jan. 15, 1994 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,494); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/918,141 filed Jul. 22, 1992 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,012); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/615,303 filed Nov. 19, 1990; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/581,631 filed Sep. 12, 1990 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,561).

The present invention generally relates to chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes utilizing metal-organic source reagent compositions, and liquid compositions containing such metal-organic source reagent compositions, which are suitably stable, e.g., resistant to deleterious ligand exchange. More specifically, the metal source reagent compositions used in processes of the present invention comprise compounds or coordination complexes in which the metal atoms are coordinated to ligand species which are organic in character, as discussed in the preceding Summary section herein.

The ligand groups of the metal source complexes in the broad practice of the present invention may be variously substituted to realize a wide variety of materials to optimize volatility, stability and film purity. Preferably, when the metal source reagent comprises a multi-component solution including two or more metal source complexes, the ligands of the various metal source complexes should be either (a) identical to result in degenerative ligand exchange (wherein any ligand exchange involves replacement of the ligand group by the same type ligand from another constituent of the multicomponent solution), or (b) resistant to any detrimental non-degenerative ligand exchange in relation to one another which would substantially impair or preclude the efficacy of the metal source complex for its intended purpose.

The ligand groups that are potentially useful in metal source reagents of the present invention include the ligands which are more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,561, the disclosure of which hereby is incorporated herein in its entirety.

The metal source reagents are selected for solution applications on the basis of the following criteria: (i) the metal centers in the coordinated complexes should be as coordinatively saturated as possible, and in such respect multidentate ligands are preferred which occupy multiple coordination sites in the source reagent complex; (ii) the ligands preferably comprise sterically bulky groups such as isopropyl, t-butyl, and neopentyl, which prevent close approach of the metal centers and thus hinder deleterious ligand exchange reactions which might otherwise occur; and (iii) each individual metal source reagent in the solution has a suitable vapor pressure characteristic, e.g., a vapor pressure of at least 0.001 Torr at the temperature and pressure conditions involved in their volatilization.

The solvent medium employed in source reagent solutions in accordance with the present invention may be any suitable organic solvent which is compatible with the metal complexes in the solution, has moderate volatility, and in which high concentrations of the metal complexes can be dissolved. Such solvent medium may suitably comprise one or more solvent species such as: glymes, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, organic ethers (including dialkyl, cyclic and crown ethers), dialkyl esters, alkyl nitriles (═NR_(b), wherein Rb is H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, or C₁-C₈ perfluoroalkyl, e.g., trifluoroethyl), and alkanols. Among these classes of solvents, preferred solvent species include glyme solvents having from 1 to 20 ethoxy —(C₂H₄O)— repeat units; C₂-C₁₂ alkanols, organic ethers selected from the group consisting of dialkyl ethers comprising C₁-C₆ alkyl moieties, C₄-C₈ cyclic ethers, and C₁₂-C₆₀ crown O₄-O₂₀ ethers wherein the prefixed C_(i) range is the number i of carbon atoms in the ether compound and the suffixed O_(i) range is the number i of oxygen atoms in the ether compound; C₆-C₁₂ aliphatic hydrocarbons; and C₆-C₁₈ aromatic hydrocarbons. Particularly preferred crown ethers include 12-crown-4,15-crown-5, and 18-crown-6 species.

Preferred metal source reagent species include compounds having as constitutent moieties thereof β-diketonate and alkoxide ligands, and a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pr, V, Nb, Ta, Nd, Cr, W, Pm, Mn, Re, Sm, Fe, Ru, Eu, Co, Rh, Ir, Gd, Ni, Tb, Cu, Dy, Ho, Al, Tl, Er, Sn, Pb, Tm, Bi, Lu, Th, Pd, Pt, Ga, In, Au, Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mo, and Yb, wherein the metal is coordinated to at least one alkoxide ligand and at least one β-diketonate ligand.

Illustrative β-diketonate ligands employed in metal source complexes of the present invention include acac, thd, fod, hfod, tfacac, and hfacac, and their corresponding nitrogen and thio analogs (i.e., wherein oxygen in the β-diketonate is replaced by nitrogen or sulfur, respectively).

By way of example, the metal source reagent liquid solutions of the present invention may suitably comprise metal source reagent and solvent medium species identified in Table IV set out below.

TABLE IV Metal Source Reagent(s) Solvent Medium Al(thd)₃ tetrahydrofuran with 10% tetraglyme; Al(OR)₃ tetrahydrofuran with 10% tetraglyme; Ba(thd)₂(tetraglyme), 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme; Ca(thd)₂, Cu(thd)₂ Ba(thd)₂(tetraglyme), 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme; Sr(thd)₂(tetraglyme), Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ Sr(thd)₂ 10:1 isopropanol/tetraglyme; Ca(thd)₂ Cr(thd)₃ 9:1 tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme; Er(thd)₃ butyl acetate Ir(acac)_(3 or) butyl acetate Ir(thd)₃ La(thd)₃ tetrahydrofuran (MeO)₃P═O MgAl₂(OiPr)₈ isopropanol Nb(OiPr)₄(thd) 8:2:1 tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ tetraglyme Pb(thd)₂ 9:1 tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme; La(thd)₃ Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ Pb(thd)₂ 9:1 tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme; Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ Pb(thd)₂ 8:2:1 tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ Zr(thd)₄ tetraglyme Pb(thd)₂ 8:2:1 tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ Zr(thd)₄ tetraglyme Ti(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ Pb(thd)₂ 8:2:1 tetrahydrofuran/t-butanol/ Zr(thd)₄ tetraglyme Ti(OtBu)₂(thd)₂ Ru(acac)_(3 or) butyl acetate Ru(thd)₃ Sn(alkyl)₂ (β- butyl acetate diketonate)₂ alkyl = C₁-C₈ alkyl Sn(acetates)₂ butyl acetate or 25:1butyl acetate/tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂ (tetraglyme) 8:2:1 tetrahydrofuran/isopropanol/ BiPh₃ tetraglyme Ta(OiPr)₄thd Ta(OEt)₅ neat with 1% ethanol or ethanol [O═Ti(thd)₂]_(n) butyl acetate or wherein n is 1 or 2 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Y(thd)₃ isopropanol Y(thd)₃ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Ba(thd)₂ Cu(thd)₂ Zr(thd)₄ 9:1 tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme; Y(thd)₃ [O═Zr(thd)₂]_(n) butyl acetate wherein n is 1 or 2 or 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Y(thd)₃ isopropanol Y(thd)₃ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Ba(thd)₂ Cu(thd)₂ Zr(thd)₄ 9:1 tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme; Y(thd)₃ [O═Zr(thd)₂]_(n) butyl acetate wherein n is 1 or 2 or 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Cu(shfac)₂ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Sr(shfac)₂ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ butyl acetate/tetrathiocyclodecane Ca(sthd)₂ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Sr(sthd)₂ Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Ca(sthd)₂ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Cu(shfac)₂ 8:25:1 isopropanol/tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme Ca(sthd)₂ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetrathiocyclodecane Sr(sthd)₂ Ga(sthd)₃ Ce(sthd)₄ Cu(hfac)₂ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Sr(thd)₂ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetrathiocyclodecane Cu(hfac)₂ 8:25:1 isopropanol/tetrahydrofuran/tetraglyme Ti(hfac)₃ 25:1 butyl acetate/tetraglyme Ti(hfac)₃ butyl acetate Mo(hfac)₃ butyl acetate Mo(thd)₃ butyl acetate

The metal source reagent solutions employed in the process of the present invention may be readily employed in CVD applications for forming a metal-containing film on a substrate, by the steps of volatilizing the metal source reagent liquid solution to yield a metal source vapor, and contacting the metal source vapor with the substrate, to deposit the metal-containing film thereon. Illustrative metal source reagent solutions and corresponding metal-containing film compositions are identified in Table III hereinabove in the “Summary of the Invention” section hereof.

One class of metal complex compositions of the invention includes a metalorganic complex selected from the group consisting of:

metalorganic complexes comprising one or more metal central atoms coordinated to one or more monodentate or multidentate organic ligands, and complexed with one or more complexing monodentate or multidentate ligands containing one or more atoms independently selected from the group consisting of atoms of the elements C, N, H, S, O and F; wherein when the number of metal atoms is one and concurrently the number of complexing monodentate or multidentate ligands is one, then the complexing monodentate or multidentate ligand of the metalorganic complex is selected from the group consisting of beta-ketoiminates, beta-diiminates, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl and C₆-C₁₀ aryl.

Such metalorganic complex composition can include any suitable metal(s), such as for example Cu, Ba, Sr, La, Nd, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Th, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Pm, Mn, Re, Lu, Bi, Tl, Y, Pb, Ni, Pd, Pt, Al, Ga, In, Ag, Au, Co, Rh, Ir, Fe, Ru, Sn, Sc, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Mg, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and/or W.

The metalorganic complex composition in one aspect comprises a solvent medium. The solvent medium can be a solvent mixture, or a single solvent species. Illustrative solvent species include, without limitation, solvents such as glymes, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, nitriles, and alcohols, and mixtures of two or more solvents of the foregoing listing. Preferred solvents in respect of some compositions of the invention include tetrahydrofuran, tetraglyme, butyl acetate, isopropanol, ethanol, tetrathiocyclodecane, and tetrahydrofuran acetate.

The metalorganic complex composition of the invention, wherein one or more of the monodentate or multidentate organic ligands comprises a beta-diketonate, can include beta-diketonates such as acac, hfac, tfac, thd, fod, and hfod. The metalorganic complex in the composition can comprise two different beta-diketonate ligands of any suitable type, such as the above-mentioned species of acac, hfac, tfac, fod, and hfod.

Alternatively, such one or more monodentate or multidentate organic ligands can include a beta-ketoiminate or a beta-diiminate.

One class of source reagent compositions usefully employed in the process of the present invention includes source reagent liquid solutions comprising:

-   -   (i) at least one, and preferably at least two, metal         coordination complexes, each of the formula:         M^(i)A_(a)(OR)_(x)B_(y)Q_(z)         wherein:     -   M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr,         Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pr, V, Nb, Ta, Nd, Cr, W, Pm, Mn,         Re, Sm, Fe, Ru, Eu, Co, Rh, Ir, Gd, Ni, Tb, Cu, Dy, Ho, Al, Tl,         Er, Sn, Pb, Tm, Bi, Lu, Th, Pd, Pt, Ga, In, Au, Ag, Li, Na, K,         Rb, Cs, Mo, and Yb;     -   A is selected from the group consisting of β-diketonates and         β-ketoesters, and their sulfur and nitrogen analogs;     -   R is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈         cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl,         and (fully or partially) fluorinated derivatives thereof (i.e.,         wherein hydrogen substituent(s) of the C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈         cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, or C₆-C₁₀ aryl         ligand, is/are replaced by fluorine substituent(s));     -   B is selected from the group consisting of polyethers,         polyamines, polythiols, bipyridines, glymes, alcohols, crown         ethers, crown thioethers, cyclic polyamines (cyclenes),         thioglymes, arylthiols, and aliphatic thiols (mercaptans).     -   Q is hydrocarbyl or halohydrocarbyl, e.g., a ligand selected         from the group consisting of C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈ cycloalkyl,         C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₅ cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, and         fluorinated derivatives thereof;     -   a, x, y, and z are stoichiometric coefficients for the ligands         A, OR, B, and Q, respectively, wherein a is ≧1; each of x, y,         and z is independently ≧0, and A_(a)(OR)_(x)B_(y)Q_(z) is in         stoichiometric relationship to metal M; and     -   (ii) a solvent for the metal coordination complex(es).

Another class of source reagent solutions usefully employed in the process of the present invention contain β-diketonate alkoxide compounds having a metal M selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, Pr, V, Nb, Ta, Nd, Cr, W, Pm, Mn, Re, Sm, Fe, Ru, Eu, Co, Rh, Ir, Gd, Ni, Tb, Cu, Dy, Ho, Al, Tl, Er, Sn, Pb, Tm, Bi, Lu, Th, Pd, Pt, Ga, In, Au, Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mo, and Yb, complexed to at least one alkoxide ligand and at least one β-diketonate ligand, in which the compounds have the following formula: M(OR¹)_(x)(R²—C(G)-CH—C(G)-R³)_(y) wherein:

-   G is oxygen, sulfur, or imide of the formula: ═NR_(b), wherein Rb is     H, C₁-C₈ alkyl, or C₁-C₈ perfluoroalkyl (e.g., trifluoroethyl); -   x+y=p where p is the valence of metal M; -   x+2y=q where q is the coordination number of the metal M; -   R¹ is C₁-C₆ hydrocarbyl or fluoroalkyl;

R² and R³ are independently selected from C₁-C₁₄ hydrocarbyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, and C₂-C₆ fluoroalkyl groups, wherein hydrocarbyl groups may be selected from C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₆-C₁₀ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl and C₆-C₁₄ aryl groups, and C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl groups may be selected from perfluoroalkyls of 2 through 6 carbons.

R¹ is preferably C₁-C₆ alkyl, preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, or t-butyl, and most preferably ethyl, i-propyl, or t-butyl. R² and R³ are preferably selected from the C₂-C₆ alkyl or cycloalkyl groups t-butyl, s-butyl, i-propyl, cyclohexyl, or neopentyl, and most preferably t-butyl, s-butyl, or isopropyl.

Preferred alkoxy metal beta-diketonate compositions of the invention comprise M(OtBu)₂(thd)₂ wherein M=titanium or zirconium, OtBu=t-butoxy and thd=tetramethylheptanedionate.

The various source reagent metal complexes employed in the process of the invention may be readily made by conventional synthetic techniques, including those more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,561, the disclosure of which hereby is incorporated herein by reference. The resulting reagent metal complexes may readily be formulated into solution form, by conventional dissolution and solubilization techniques, for subsequent use as CVD source reagents having good shelf life characteristics and which are substantially stable in storage at ambient conditions (e.g., room temperature). The reagent solutions may subsequently be readily vaporized by suitable reagent delivery systems such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,314, the disclosure of which also is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The features and advantages of the invention are more fully shown by the following non-limiting examples, wherein all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise expressly stated.

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of Ta(OEt)₄(η²-thd)

One equivalent (33.9 g) of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione (Hthd) was added directly to 74.6 g Ta(OEt)₅ in a 500 mL Schlenk flask; both starting materials were obtained commercially (Lancaster Chemicals, Inc.). The vessel was heated to 65° C. under a slow nitrogen purge to a bubbler. After 2 hours, the ethanol generated was removed in vacuo to yield 99.8 g of the colorless liquid Ta(OEt)₄(η²-thd) in quantitative yield, which solidified upon cooling. The compound melted at 26° C. and boiled at approximately 80° C. at 140 mtorr. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra in benzene-d₆ were consistent with an octahedral structure composed of two ethoxide ligands in axial positions and a second set of cis-ethoxide ligands in the equatorial plane across from the bidentate β-diketonate: d 5.81 (s, 1 H, CH), 4.72 (q, 4 H, CH₂), 4.20 (q, 4 H, CH₂), 1.34 (tr, 6 H, CH₃), 1.14 (tr, 6 H, CH₃), 1.13 (s, 18 H, t-Bu); ¹³C{¹H} NMR (C₆D₆) d 199.9 (CO), 92.9 (CH_(diket)), 68.8 (CH₂CH₃), 65.4 (CH₂CH₃), 40.9 (CMe₃), 28.3 (CMe ₃), 19.6 (CH₂ CH₃), 19.0 (CH₂ CH₃).

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of Ta(OiPr)₄(η²-thd)

A nine-fold excess of isopropanol (170 mL) was added to 33.6 g Ta(OEt)₄(η²-thd). The solution was heated at 60° C. for 45 min, following which the volatiles were removed in vacuo. The ligand exchange procedure was repeated a second time to yield 36.8 g of white, crystalline Ta(O-i-Pr)₄(η²-thd) in quantitative yield. The product was purified by sublimation at 100° C. at 150 mtorr. The compound melted at 149° C. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra in benzene-d₆ were consistent with an octahedral structure composed of two isopropoxide ligands in axial positions and a second set of cis-isopropoxide ligands in the equatorial plane across from the bidentate b-diketonate: d 5.81 (s, 1H, CH), 5.10 (sept, 2H, CH), 4.51 (sept, 2H, CH), 1.38 (d, 12H, Me), 1.20 (d, 12H, Me), 1.17 (s, 18 H, t-Bu); ¹³C{¹H} NMR (C₆D₆) d 199.4 (CO), 93.0 (CH_(diket)), 75.0 (CHMe₂), 71.4 (CHMe₂), 40.8 (CMe₃), 28.3 (CMe ₃), 26.4 (CHMe ₂), 25.8 (CHMe ₂).

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of Nb(OEt)₄(η²-thd)

The procedure of Example 1 is followed, using Nb(OEt)₅ as starting material rather than the tantalum ethoxide. One equivalent of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione (Hthd) is added directly to Nb(OEt)₅ in a Schlenk flask. The vessel is heated to about 65° C. under a slow nitrogen purge to a bubbler. After 2 hours the ethanol generated is removed in vacuo to yield Nb(OEt)₄(η²-thd) in quantitative yield.

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of Nb(OiPr)₄(η²-thd)

A nine-fold molar excess of isopropanol is added to Nb(OEt)₄(η²-thd). The resulting solution is heated at 60° C. for 45 min, following which the volatiles are removed in vacuo. The ligand exchange procedure is repeated a second time to yield solid Nb(O-i-Pr)₄(η²-thd) in quantitative yield. The product is purified by sublimation at 100° C. at 150 mtorr.

EXAMPLE 5 Deposition of Niobia Film

Nb(O-i-Pr)₄(η²-thd) is used to deposit Nb₂O₅ (“niobia”) on a silicon wafer held at 400° C. in a CVD reactor. The Nb reagent is contained in a vessel (“bubbler”) held at 185° C. and Ar gas is flowed through the vessel at 100 sccm. Pressure in the “bubbler” is controlled at 80 torr using a manual throttle valve. Oxygen is flowed to the reactor through a separate manifold at 300 sccm. Total pressure in the reactor is 1 torr and partial pressure of the Nb reagent in the reactor is 0.03 torr. Deposition rate is approximately 0.04 mm/minute.

EXAMPLE 6 Deposition of Tantala Film

Ta(O-i-Pr)₄(thd) is used to deposit Ta₂O₅ (tantala) on a fused silica (glass) envelope of a high intensity lamp by chemical vapor deposition. The glass surface is held at 450° C. in a CVD reactor. The Ta(O-i-Pr)₄(thd) compound is dissolved in an organic solvent and this liquid solution is pumped to a vaporization zone of the reactor held at 200° C. where Ar carrier gas is also introduced at 100 sccm. At the vaporizer zone the solvent evaporates, the Ta compound sublimes and the gaseous reagents and Ar then flow to the chemical vapor deposition reactor. Oxygen is flowed to the reactor through a separate manifold at 300 sccm. Total pressure in the reactor is 1 torr and the deposition rate is 0.065 mm/minute.

EXAMPLE 7 Deposition of Nb:BST

Nb(O-i-Pr)₄(η²-thd) is used to deposit Ba_(1-x)Sr_(x)Ti_(1-y)Nb_(y)O₃ (Nb:BST) on a platinum metal layer on a silicon wafer in a CVD reactor. The metal layer will act as a bottom electrode in a capacitor and the Nb:BST film will have a high dielectric constant with dc low leakage current density. The platinum surface is held at 650° C. Nb(O-i-Pr)₄(η²-thd) reagent is dissolved in an organic solvent along with Ba(thd)₂-tetraglyme, Sr(thd)₂-tetraglyme and Ti(OPr)₂(thd)₂, and this liquid solution is pumped to a vaporization zone held at 220° C. where Ar carrier gas is also introduced at 600 sccm. The solution is stable and no detrimental levels of ligand exchange occurred between the metallorganic compounds in the liquid phase or gas phase. At the vaporization zone the solvent evaporates and the Bi, Sr, and Ti compounds sublime and pass into the vapor phase. The gaseous reagents and Ar then flow to the CVD reactor. A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is flowed to the reactor through a separate manifold at 300 sccm each. Total pressure in the reactor is 0.700 torr and the (Nb:BST) is efficiently deposited.

EXAMPLE 8 Deposition of Bi₂SrTa₂O₉

Ta(O-i-Pr)₄(thd) is used to deposit Bi₂SrTa₂O₉ on platinum metal layer on a silicon wafer in a CVD reactor. The Bi₂SrTa₂O₉ film will form a ferroelectric capacitor with remanent polarization that can be switched greater than 10¹² times. The Bi₂SrTa₂O₉ is deposited at 650° C. Ta(O-i-Pr)₄(thd) is dissolved in an organic solvent along with triphenylbismuth and Sr(thd)₂-tetraglyme and this liquid solution is pumped to a vaporization zone held at 200° C. where Ar carrier gas is also introduced at 100 sccm. The solution is stable and no detrimental ligand exchange occurred between the metallorganic compounds in the liquid or gas phase. At the vaporization zone the solvent evaporates and the Bi, Sr, Na compounds sublime. The gaseous reagents and Ar then flow to the chemical vapor deposition reactor. A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is flowed to the reactor through a separate manifold at 300 sccm each. Total pressure in the reactor is 2.1 torr and the Bi₂SrTa₂O₉ is deposited at useful rates.

EXAMPLE 9 Growth of GMR Oxide Films on LaAlO₃ (100), NdGaO₃ (110), and MgO (100) Substrates by CVD

La_(x)Ca_(1-x)MnO₃ films were grown on LaAlO₃ (100), NdGaO₃ (110), and MgO (100) substrates by CVD. Tris(tetramethylheptanedionato)lanthanum (La(thd)₃), bis(tetra-methylheptanedionato) calcium (Ca(thd)₂), and tris(tetramethylheptane-dionato)manganese (Mn(thd)₃), all of which were purchased commercially (Strem Chemicals), were used as precursor materials. These three organic compounds, in appropriate amounts, were mixed and dissolved in a single organic solution of 25:1 butyl acetate:tetraglyme under an inert atmosphere. The concentrations of La(thd)₃, Ca(thd)₂ and Mn(thd)₃ in the solution were 0.033, 0.017, and 0.05 moles/liter of solution, respectively. During deposition, the solution was constantly injected into a vaporizer by a liquid pump and the vapors were carried immediately into a chemical vapor deposition reactor by nitrogen gas. The films were deposited at a constant pressure of 1.5 Torr and at a substrate temperature ranging from 600° C. to 700° C. Both oxygen and nitrous oxide were used as oxidants.

The films were characterized and showed a high transition temperature T_(c) in the as-deposited films, probably due to the higher oxygen partial pressure in the CVD process. The highest T_(c) attained was 300K. The peak value of resistivity r is observed to decrease from 34mΩ-cm to 12 mΩ-cm in the film with T_(c)=300K. Post annealing of these films in 1 atm of O₂ further reduced r and increased T_(c). The oxygen content plays an important role in controlling the carrier concentration. All of the films prepared at different substrate temperatures between 600 and 750° C. were highly (001) oriented. The grain size of films decreased as the substrate temperature decreased without a degradation of crystallinity determined by XRD in this temperature range. There was no correlation found between grain size and cusp temperature or magnetoresistance of the films. The preferred orientation of the films appear to affect on the temperature dependence of resistivity as shown in the case of a (LaCa)MnO3 film deposited on MgO substrate. A lower ΔR/R_(H) effect of as-deposited (LaCa)MnO3 films by MOCVD than that of annealed (LaCa)MnO3 films prepared by laser deposition is probably due to a relatively low resistivity of these MOCVD films.

EXAMPLE 10 Growth of Zirconium Titanate

A number of PZT runs were performed with the objectives of optimizing vaporizer conditions and achieving desired film stoichiometry, from Zr(thd)₄ and Ti(O-iPr)₄ source reagents. The CVD reactor was constructed to permit preheating of the carrier gas using heat tape around an in-line filter, and the delivery system for vaporization and transport of the source reagent vapor was arranged and constructed in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,314.

Initial experiments employed as the solvent a mixture of THF:tetraglyme in the ratio of 9:1. It was found that the effect of carrier gas preheat was minimal. Vaporizer temperature was a much stronger variable with increased vaporization temperature giving somewhat more consistent vaporization as judged by monitoring the pressure of the vaporizer behind the frit (vaporization element). Lower temperatures (T_(vap)=215° C.) resulted in more erratic vaporizer pressure. In addition, increased relative Zr content in the solution caused wide swings in vaporizer pressure as the run progressed, even at T_(vap)=230° C. (Total Zr content in all cases has been held at 0.15 to 0.145 moles/liter solution to prevent delivery tube clogging which was experienced at higher Zr concentrations.)

One variable studied in the test was the addition of isopropanol to the solvent. In such modification, the solvent used was THF:isopropanol:tetraglyme in the ratio of 8:2:1. IPA affected the process remarkably favorably in respect of the desired film composition. Zr incorporation efficiency increased to the point where films of Zr_(x)Ti_(1-x)O₄ were produced. The deposition conditions were held constant during all of the experiments, evidencing the fact that transport of Zr is significantly enhanced by the addition of IPA to the THF/tetraglyme solvent. This suggested that ligand exchange may have played a role, e.g., with the reaction Zr(thd)₄-->Zr(OiPr)_(x)(thd)_(4-x), leading to more volatile species. It was also observed that the swings in vaporizer pressure decreased (at T_(vap)=230° C. and with 40 mm fits) with the modified solvent. Ligand exchange may also have led to the provision of all liquid precursors at the vaporizer temperature rather than solid as is the case for Zr(thd)₄.

EXAMPLE 11 Growth of BiSrTa

Transport experiments for Bi—Sr—Ta were conducted in a CVD reactor to roughly determine vaporizer operating conditions, following which two Ta compounds were evaluated. The first was Ta(OiPr)₄(thd), for which three vaporizer temperatures were investigated. The best condition was found to be 200° C. A second Ta compound, Ta₂(OEt)₄(thd) also was tried under the same transport conditions, as summarized in Table V below.

TABLE V Frit pore size 20 μm Carrier gas flow 450 sccm Ar (preheated) Precursors BiPh₃, Sr(thd)₂, and Ta(OiPr)₄(thd) or Ta(OEt)₄(thd) Solvent 8:2:1 THF:isopropanol:tetraglyme Reagent solution Bi0.40M—Sr0.15M—Ta0.40M concentrations Delivery rate 0.1 ml/min System base pressure 2 torr Ta(OiPr)₄(η²-thd)

The 180° C. experiment resulted in a steep rise in pressure behind the frit, presumably due to unsublimed material (likely Sr(thd)₂) which was consistent with the fact that the pressure behind the frit recovered by 93% to nearly its initial value in about 1.5 hours.

The 200° C. experiment had a steep initial pressure rise, followed by the lowest steady-state rise of any of the conditions tried. A relatively low pressure recovery after the experiment (29%) indicated that some decomposition of metalorganic material occurred at the frit.

The 220° C. experiment behaved similarly to the 200° C. experiment with two exceptions: the steady state rise was >2× higher and a steep pressure rise occurred at the end of the experiment (˜2 hours) which was accompanied by a clog in the delivery tube at the frit. The clog disappeared as the vaporizer cooled overnight and a significant amount (about a 5 mm dia. lump) of white material was present on top of the frit. This may have been due to the reagent being sucked into the vaporizer from the delivery tube (with some leakage through the 20 psi check valve) from which the solvent had evaporated. An NMR analysis was conducted on the material, and it showed BiPh₃ and Ta(OiPr)₄(thd) precursors in about their original ratios but no Sr(thd)₂.

The frit residue was analyzed qualitatively by x-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results showed that the amount of Bi and Ta left on the frit increased with increasing vaporizer temperature, as expected.

Ta(OEt)₄(η²-thd)

This compound appeared fairly well behaved until near the end of the transport experiment, where a significant rise in pressure behind the frit occurred, accompanied by a clog in the delivery system. This clog disappeared within minutes of shutting off the solution flow. Vaporizer pressure recovered by about 62% after the experiment.

Several films were deposited on Pt/Ta/SiO₂/Si during the transport experiments. Deposition at 750° C. susceptor temperature resulted in a film that was poorly crystallized. In contrast, films deposited at 800° C. showed strong XRD peaks. Interestingly, all films had a striped appearance across the wafer indicating changing thickness. This may be attributable to a macroscopic manifestation of ledge motion during growth of the compound which is known to be a layered structure. Fringes were observed moving across the wafer at the early stages of growth.

EXAMPLE 12 Growth of BaTiO₃ from Ti(OR)₂(thd)₂

A source reagent mixture of Ti(OR)₂(acac)₂ and Ba(thd)₂ in solvent medium was found to experience ligand exchange, resulting in mixed Ba(β-diketonate)₂ species that display a reduced volatility. Use of Ti(OR)₂(thd)₂ in place of Ti(OR)₂(acac)₂ resulted in degenerate ligand exchange that was transparent to the vaporization and CVD deposition process.

EXAMPLE 13 Growth of Bi₂SrTa₂O₉ Using Ta(OEt)₄(thd)

The combination of reagents Ta(OEt)₅ and Sr(thd)₂ also resulted in ligand exchange when the ligands were dissolved in solvent medium, as in Example 12. By using Ta(OEt)₄(thd) the aforementioned exchange problem is alleviated in solution. This enables a reproducible transport and CVD process.

The Ta(OEt)₄(thd) and Sr(thd)₂ solution can be used for depositing SrTaO or Bi₂SrTa₂O₉ materials.

EXAMPLE 14 Growth of BaTiO₃ or BST Using Ti(OR)₂(thd)₂

The source reagent combination of Ti(OR)₄ and Ba(thd)₂ can undergo ligand exchange as described in Examples 12 and 13. Use of Ti(OR)₂(thd)₂ as the Ti reagent alleviates the exchange problem in solution. The latter solution can be used for the formation of BaTiO or BaSrTiO films.

EXAMPLE 15 Growth of PbTiO₃

The source reagent combination of Ti(OR)₄ and Pb(thd)₂ can also result in ligand exchange in solution. Using Ti(OR)₂(thd)₂ eliminates the ligand exchange with the Pb reagent. The latter solution is useful for deposition of PbTiO₃ or PbZrTiO₃ (PZT) films.

EXAMPLE 16 Growth of YBCO

Y(thd)₃, Ba(thd)₂, and Cu(thd)₂ were dissolved in an appropriate solvent to enable the facile vaporization and gas-phase transport of the precursors into the reaction zone. The volatility and transport characteristics of the reagents are primarily governed by the thd ligands and the temperature of the heated vaporization zone of the liquid delivery system. These solutions can be used for Y_(x)Ba_(y)Cu_(z)O film growth.

EXAMPLE 17 Growth of YBCO

Various metal (β-diketonates) are dissolved in the desired solvent to provide compatible solubilities. For example, Cu(thd)₂ or Cu(hfacac)₂ reagents are used in tandem with the similar Y(thd)₃ or Y(hfacac)₃ reagents, respectively, to realize comparable solubilities of widely differing metals.

EXAMPLE 18 CVD of Aluminum—Addition of Solvent to Decrease Precursor Viscosity

An inert solvent is added to a “neat” liquid or reagent being used for film growth. Dimethyl aluminum hydride (dimer) is a viscous liquid that yields high-purity aluminum films. Liquid delivery is facilitated by dilution in an inert organic solvent, such as hexane or toluene. The dilute solution is easily transported to the vaporization zone for deposition. Other organic solvents with a suitable boiling point can be used with equal success.

EXAMPLE 19 Solvent System to Optimize Liquid Delivery of Reactants for CVD

A solvent is chosen, such that preferential boiling of the solvent does not occur without volatilization of the reagent. This allows maximum volatilization of the reagent to be realized without detrimental clogging of the vaporizer. For example, the use of a tetrahydrofuran-isopropanol mixture is advantageous for the delivery vaporization of Bi(Ph)₃ and Ta(OiPr)₄(thd).

EXAMPLE 20 Use of Additive to Increase Reactant Solubility for LP CVD

Acetone, tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane (DME) or dimethylformamide (DMF) are added to a solution containing Ba(thd)₂ to maximize its solubility.

EXAMPLE 21 Use of Polyethers to Improve Suitability for LP CVD

Various compositions were made up of reagent solutions, including: addition of 4-glyme to Ba(thd)₂; addition of polyamines for Ba(thd)₂; addition of polyether alcohols to enhance thermal stability of reagents; and addition of 18-crown-6 to enhance the thermal stability of the reagents.

EXAMPLE 22 Use of Solvent to Lower Freezing Point of Low-Melting Solid

Ta(OEt)₅ has a melting point of ˜21° C. Liquid delivery of this material requires a lowering of the freezing point to maintain a liquid in the bubbler and throughout the process system. Lowering the freezing point is achieved by addition of ethanol to the ‘neat’ Ta(OEt)₅ used to grow Ta₂O₅ films. The ethanol does not have a deterimental effect on the reagent, the liquid delivery or the reagent and/or the CVD growth process.

EXAMPLE 23 Addition of Solvent to Depress Freezing Point of Low Melting Solids

Ti(OiPr)₄, m.p. of 20° C., is mixed with i-PrOH to lower the melting point. MgAl₂(OiPr)₈, m.p. 40° C., is mixed with iPrOH to lower the melting point. Ta(OEt)₄(thd), m.p.=26° C., is mixed with EtOH to lower the melting point.

EXAMPLE 24 Liquid Delivery of Cu Reagents—Solvent Coordination for Altering Complex Properties

A solvent is chosen to maximize dissolution of a reagent based upon the solubility of that precursor in a given solvent. However, the solvent may be chosen to provide a solvated complex that exhibits different physical properties after solvation. Cu(hfacac)₂ hydrate is exceedingly soluble in alcoholic solvents because the water is displaced and the alcohol coordinates to the metal center. Isolation of the solvated complex yields materials with different physical properties. Thus, the solvent is chosen to alter the physical and chemical properties of the reagent being used for film growth.

Complex Tm (° C.) Tdec. (° C.) Cu(hfacac)₂(MeOH) 134-138 250 Cu(hfacac)₂(EtOH) 103-104 250 Cu(hfacac)₂(iPrOH) 53-55 210

This same concept can be extended to a wide variety of other reagents which can be solvated to provide complexes of different physico-chemical properties for use in CVD. For example, tetrahydrofuran (THF) may be added to a solution to increase the solubility of Cu(thd)₂ therein.

EXAMPLE 25 Use of Additive to Increase Reactant Stability for LP CVD

Tetraglyme was added to Ba(thd)₂(tetraglyme) solution to enhance thermal stability of the reagent composition.

EXAMPLE 26 Addition of Excess Lewis Base to Increase Reactant Stability During LP CVD

Lewis base copper(I) β-diketonate complexes are useful for copper CVD. However, the Lewis base may be easily liberated from the molecule resulting in pre-mature decomposition and clogging of the vaporizer. To combat this problem, excess Lewis base is added. Similarly, excess Lewis base can be added to stop the formation of a less volatile dinuclear species and eliminate precipitation in the vaporizer. For example, liberation of 3-hexyne from 3-hexyne Cu(hfacac) leads to the formation of a dinuclear complex, 3-hexyne [Cu(hfacac)]₂, which is a solid at room temperature. The formation and precipitation of this dinuclear solid can be controlled by forcing this equilibrium in the reverse direction. Thus, excess 3-hexyne not only enhances the thermal stability, but eliminates formation of a less volatile solid precipitate, which can lead to clogging and decomposition in the vaporizer.

EXAMPLE 27 Addition of Polyether or Polyamine to Reduce Hydrolysis of Reactant During LP CVD

The coordination of H₂O to Ba(thd)₂ on thermal vaporization may be reduced or eliminated by coordinating a stronger Lewis Base to the barium center.

EXAMPLE 28 Formation of CuS-Based Films

A solution consisting of copper (II) bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-thio-pentane-4-one) was dissolved in an organic solvent containing n-butyl acetate and tetraglyme (25:1). The solution was delivered to a warm-walled reactor using a liquid delivery system and reacted with H₂S to produce a copper sulfide (CuS) based film. This approach can be used to produce complex copper sulfides by co-reaction with a third reactant to produce films such as CuInS, CuGaS and CuSeS films.

EXAMPLE 29 Formation of SrS Films in Presence of H₂S

A solution consisting of strontium (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thio-heptane-5-one) was dissolved in a solution of n-butyl acetate and tetraglyme (25:1). This solution was delivered, using a commercial liquid delivery system, to a CVD reactor and reacted with H₂S to produce high quality SrS films. These films can be used as a white phosphor layer for electroluminescent display applications.

EXAMPLE 30 Formation of SrS Films With Thiol-Containing Source Solution

In a modification to Example 29, a solution consisting of strontium (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thio-heptane-5-one) was dissolved in a solution of n-butyl acetate and tetraglyme (25:1). This solution also contained a sulfur source, such as t-butylthiol or cyclohexyl thiol and was delivered (using a commercial liquid delivery system) to a CVD reactor to produce high quality SrS films. The incorporation of the thiol obviates the need for co-reaction with H₂S and therefore, is more desirable for health, safety and environmental reasons; this will facilitate manufacturing of SrS as a white phosphor layer for electroluminescent display applications.

EXAMPLE 31 Formation of SrS Films in Presence of H₂S with Butyl Acetate/Tetrathiocyclodecane Solvent System

In a modification to Examples 29 and 30, a solution consisting of strontium (II) bis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thio-heptane-5-one) was dissolved in a solution of n-butyl acetate and tetrathiocyclodecane. This solution was delivered (using a commercial liquid delivery system) to a CVD reactor and co-reacted with H₂S to produce high quality SrS films. These films can be used as a white phosphor layer for electroluminescent display applications.

EXAMPLE 32 Formation of Ce-Doped (Ca, Sr)Ga₂S₄ Films in Presence of H₂S

In a separate approach, multi-component phosphors, such as Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ can be deposited by liquid delivery of one or more solutions containing the following co-reactants; Ca (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thioheptane-5-one), Sr (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thio-heptane-5-one), Ga (III) tris (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thioheptane-5-one) and Ce (IV) tetrakis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thioheptane-5-one). These reactants are dissolved into n-butyl acetate and tetraglyme (25:1) and delivered to the CVD reactor for Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ film growth with H₂S as the sulfur source. The concentrations of each component can be controlled via the concentration of the individual components in solution or via mixing of individual solutions of the reactants. The resulting thiogallate film can be used for electroluminescent films in display applications.

EXAMPLE 33 Formation of Ce-Doped (Ca, Sr)Ga₂S₄ Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System

In a modification of Example 32, a Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ film can be deposited by liquid delivery of one or more solutions containing the following co-reactants; Ca (II) bis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thio-heptane-5-one), Sr (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thio-heptane-5-one), Ga (III) tris (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thio-heptane-5-one) and Ce (IV) tetrakis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thio-heptane-5-one). These reactants are dissolved into n-butyl acetate, tetraglyme (25:1) and sulfur containing source, such as t-butyl thiol or cyclohexyl thiol. The incorporation of the thiol obviates the need for co-reaction with H₂S and therefore, is more desirable for manufacturing and environmental reasons.

EXAMPLE 34 Formation of Ce-Doped (Ca, Sr)Ga₂S₄ Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System and Deposition in the Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

In a modification of Examples 32 and 33, a Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ film can be deposited by liquid delivery of one or more solutions containing the following co-reactants; Ca (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thioheptane-5-one), Sr (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thioheptane-5-one), Ga (III) tris (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thioheptane-5-one) and Ce (IV) tetrakis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3-thioheptane-5-one). These reactants are dissolved into n-butyl acetate, tetrathiollcyclodecane and delivered to the CVD reactor for Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ film growth with H₂S as the sulfur source. The concentrations of each component can be controlled via the concentration of the individual components in solution or via mixing of individual solutions of the reactants. The resulting thiogallate film can be used for electroluminescent films in display applications.

EXAMPLE 35 Formation of CuS Films, and Binary Metal Sulfide Films

A solution consisting of copper (II) bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato) was dissolved in an organic solvent containing i-propanol, tetrahydrofuranacetate and tetraglyme (2:8:1). The solution was delivered to a warm-walled reactor using a liquid delivery system and reacted with H₂S to produce a copper sulfide based film. In a modification of this method, the sulfur source is t-butylthiol, octanethiol or cyclohexylthiol and is a component of the solution. This approach can be used to produce complex copper sulfides by co-reaction with a third reactant to produce films such as CuInS, CuGaS and CuSeS films for a variety of applications.

EXAMPLE 36 Formation of CuS Films, and Binary Metal Sulfide Films

A solution consisting of copper (II) bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2-,4-pentanedione) was dissolved in an organic solvent containing n-butyl acetate and tetraglyme (25:1). The solution was delivered to a warm-walled reactor using a liquid delivery system and reacted with H₂S to produce a copper sulfide (CuS) based film. This approach can be used to produce complex copper sulfides by co-reaction with a third reactant to produce films such as CuInS, CuGaS and CuSeS films.

EXAMPLE 37 Formation of SrS Films

A solution consisting of strontium (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione) was dissolved in a solution of n-butyl acetate and tetraglyme (25:1). This solution was delivered, using a commercial liquid delivery system, to a CVD reactor and reacted with H₂S to produce high quality SrS films. These films can be used as a white phosphor layer for electroluminescent display applications.

EXAMPLE 38 Formation of SrS Films

In a modification to Example 29, a solution consisting of strontium (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione) was dissolved in a solution of n-butyl acetate and tetraglyme (25:1). This solution also contained a sulfur source, such as t-butylthiol or cyclohexyl thiol and was delivered (using a commercial liquid delivery system) to a CVD reactor to produce high quality SrS films. The incorporation of the thiol obviates the need for co-reaction with H₂S and therefore, is more desirable for health, safety and environmental reasons; this will facilitate manufacturing of SrS as a white phosphor layer for electroluminescent display applications.

EXAMPLE 39 Formation of SrS Films

In a modification to Examples 29 and 30, a solution consisting of strontium (II) bis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione) was dissolved in a solution of n-butyl acetate and tetrathiocyclodecane. This solution was delivered (using a commercial liquid delivery system) to a CVD reactor and co-reacted with H₂S to produce high quality SrS films. These films can be used as a white phosphor layer for electroluminescent display applications.

EXAMPLE 40 Formation of Ce-Doped (Ca, Sr)Ga₂S₄ Films in the Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

In a separate approach, multi-component phosphors, such as Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ can be deposited by liquid delivery of one or more solutions containing the following co-reactants; Ca (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione), Sr (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione), Ga (III) tris (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione) and Ce (IV) tetrakis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione). These reactants are dissolved into n-butyl acetate and tetraglyme (25:1) and delivered to the CVD reactor for Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ film growth with H₂S as the sulfur source. The concentrations of each component can be controlled via the concentration of the individual components in solution or via mixing of individual solutions of the reactants. The resulting thiogallate film can be used for electroluminescent films in display applications.

EXAMPLE 41 Formation of Ce-Doped (Ca, Sr)Ga₂S₄ Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System

In a modification of Example 32, a Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ film can be deposited by liquid delivery of one or more solutions containing the following co-reactants; Ca (II) bis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione), Sr (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione), Ga (III) tris (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione) and Ce (IV) tetrakis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptane-dione). These reactants are dissolved into n-butyl acetate, tetraglyme (25:1) and sulfur containing source, such as t-butyl thiol, octylthiol or cyclohexyl thiol. The incorporation of the thiol obviates the need for co-reaction with H₂S and therefore, is more desirable for manufacturing and environmental reasons.

EXAMPLE 42 Formation of Ce-Doped (Ca, Sr)Ga₂S₄ Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System and Deposition in the Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

In a modification of Examples 32 and 33, a Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ film can be deposited by liquid delivery of one or more solutions containing the following co-reactants; Ca (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione), Sr (II) bis(2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione), Ga (III) tris (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione) and Ce (IV) tetrakis (2,2,6,6,-tetramethyl-3,5-heptane-dione). These reactants are dissolved into n-butyl acetate, tetrathiacyclodecane and delivered to the CVD reactor for Ce doped (Ca,Sr)Ga₂S₄ film growth with H₂S as the sulfur source. The concentrations of each component can be controlled via the concentration of the individual components in solution or via mixing of individual solutions of the reactants. The resulting thiogallate film can be used for electroluminescent films in display applications.

EXAMPLE 43 Formation of CuS Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System and Deposition in the Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas, and Production of Films of Binary Metal Sulfide Films

A solution consisting of copper (II) bis(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato) in an organic solvent containing i-propanol, tetrahydrofuranacetate and tetraglyme (2:8:1). The solution was delivered to a warm-walled reactor using a liquid delivery system and reacted with H₂S to produce a copper sulfide based film. In a modification of this method, the sulfur source is t-butylthiol, octanethiol or cyclohexylthiol and is a component of the solution. This approach can be used to produce complex copper sulfides by co-reaction with a third reactant to produce films such as CuInS, CuGaS and CuSeS films for a variety of applications.

EXAMPLE 44 Formation of TiS₂ Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System or Deposition in the Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

A solution consisting of titanium (III) tris (1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato) dissolved in an organic solvent was delivered to a warm walled CVD reactor using a liquid delivery system. The precursor was reacted with H₂S to deposit yellow films of TiS₂ as a lubricating layer onto metal parts. The process may be varied by using organic thiols in the solution and thus, obviates the need for H₂S co-reactant. This latter process is desirable for health, safety and environmental reasons.

EXAMPLE 45 Formation of TiS₂ Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System or Deposition in the Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

A solution consisting of titanium (III) tris (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato) dissolved in n-butylacetate and was delivered to a warm walled CVD reactor using a liquid delivery system. The precursor was reacted with H₂S to deposit yellow films of TiS₂ as a lubricating layer onto metal parts. The process may be modified by using organic thiols, such as t-butyl thiol, octylthiol and cyclohexylthiol, in the solution and thus, obviates the need for co-reactanting with H₂S. This latter process is desirable for health, safety and environmental reasons and enables full scale manufacturing to be safely realized.

EXAMPLE 46 Formation of MoS₂ Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System or Deposition in the Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

A solution consisting of molybdenum (III) tris (1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionato) dissolved in n-butylacetate and was delivered to a warm walled CVD reactor using a liquid delivery system. The precursor was reacted with H₂S to deposit yellow films of MoS₂ as a lubricating layer onto metal parts. The process may be varied by using organic thiols in the solution and thus, obviates the need for H₂S co-reactant. This latter process is desirable for health, safety and environmental reasons.

EXAMPLE 47 Formation of MoS₂ Films With Thiol-Containing Solvent System or Deposition in the Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

A solution consisting of molybdenum (III) tris (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato) dissolved in n-butyl acetate and was delivered to a warm walled CVD reactor using a liquid delivery system. The precursor was reacted with H₂S to deposit films of MoS₂ as a lubricating layer onto metal parts. The process may be varied by using organic thiols in the solution and thus, obviates the need for H₂S co-reactant. This latter process is desirable for health, safety and environmental reasons.

While the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, features and aspects, it will be recognized that the invention is not thus limited, but rather extends in utility to other modifications, variations, applications, and embodiments, and accordingly all such other modifications, variations, applications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound including a metal M selected from the group consisting of Zr, and Hf, wherein the metal is complexed to (i) at least one butoxy or isopropoxy ligand and (ii) at least one tetramethylheptanedionate ligand, wherein the compound is sufficiently volatile to yield a metal source vapor.
 2. The β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound of claim 1, of the formula M(OR)₂(thd)₂ wherein OR=isopropoxy and thd=tetramethylheptanedionate.
 3. The β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound of claim 2, wherein M=zirconium.
 4. The β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound of claim 1, comprising Zr(OiPr)₂(thd)₂ wherein OiPr=isopropoxy and thd=tetramethylheptanedionate.
 5. The β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound of claim 1, comprising Zr(OiPr)(thd)₃ wherein OiPr=isopropoxy and thd=tetramethylheptanedionate.
 6. The β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound of claim 1 in a solvent medium comprising a solvent species selected from among glymes, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, esters, nitriles, and alcohols.
 7. The β-diketonate alkoxide metal compound of claim 6, wherein the solvent medium comprises a solvent species selected from among tetrahydrofuran, tetraglyme, butyl acetate, isopropanol, ethanol, tetrathiocyclodecane, and tetrahydrofuran acetate.
 8. A source reagent composition, comprising Hf(iOPr)₂(thd)₂ wherein OiPr=isopropoxy and thd=tetramethylheptanedionate.
 9. The source reagent composition of claim 8, comprising Hf(iOPr)₂(thd)₂ in a solvent medium comprising octane. 